In a rematch of their playoff series last spring, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks looking for revenge. More than just a look back at the past, however, the game also features two of the NBA betting scene’s biggest players heading forward.

According to Bodog’s NBA betting odds makers, Dallas and Los Angeles are poised to factor into the NBA championship this season and their Larry O’Brien futures reflect it. But can the two aging squads keep up in a league fast dominated by youth?

Never mind the Miami Heat – who the Mavs disposed of in five NBA Finals games last June – both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers, with inevitably fresher legs come the end of the season, will look to spoil the fun.

But despite the ongoing development of the rest of the conference, the Lakers and Mavs are teams to beat for a reason. Not only are they the last two reigning champions, they boast two of the most prolific performers in the league.

Can the Mavs get the inherent confidence boost of shutting down the Lakers in Los Angeles? They did it in the playoffs, but it would not hurt to find out that they could do it again. Continue..